Rebranding for animal charity

In another separate case, staff at Oak Tree Farm at Wetheral were called to deal with 20 cats living in two rooms in a house in north Cumbria.

The first call-out was to a property near Carlisle.

"The unnamed cats had not been neutered so the problem was worse," said Rachel Griffiths, chair of trustees.

Working with the owners' the refuge community team were able to help get the cats onto a better diet, neutering all the cats and kittens - and offering support and advice to find suitable homes for any remaining kittens.

In the second case many of the cats have now been rehomed.

Mrs Griffiths was outlining the plight of stray animals at an event that saw the launch of a new chapter in the history of the animal refuge.

Known now as the Oak Tree Animals' Charity, the rebranding is part of new plans to safeguard the refuge's future, which includes planning permission for a huge revamp costing well over £100,000.

The plan is to convert old farm buildings into rural craft units, a museum, and a privately-run dog grooming parlour.

There are also moves to create on site a dog day care or boarding kennels, stable and tack room - and sand school for riding and schooling horses.

The two cat call-outs were some of the more extreme cases the charity's community team are faced with.

The "kitten breeding farm" saw staff confronted with cats of various ages, some of whom had produced multiple litters every year for much of their lives.

"Their poor diet was contributing to diarrhoea, one of the kittens had flu, and the older cats had other infectious diseases.

"Another female cat was imminently about to give birth in the wild and couldn't be caught as she had effectively become feral. Her kittens sadly died," said Caroline.

This incident wasn't reported to the RSPCA.

"In this case working with the owner, they gained an understanding and appreciation of what was wrong," she said.

As part of the revamp, work has already begun on regenerating nearby Blackburn Woods by creating pathways for community use.

"We are so lucky to have this 62-acres. We want it to be a haven for people to learn about wildlife," said the charity's general manager, Caroline Johnson.

"We are busy fundraising for our revamp, and hope to have the rural crafts and doggy day care, as well as the sand school for the horses by early next year.

"The remainder of the other elements will hopefully be completed in 2018," she added.

This year the charity has helped 538 furry friends, and stopped 1,600 feral kittens being born through their neutering programme.

They have also helped and cared for 220 dogs, 54 horses and ponies, and 55 smaller pets or livestock.

"We take in hundreds of animals every year and treat each and every case on an individual basis, working hard to ensure every animal receives the most appropriate care, based on its own unique needs," said Caroline.

It costs about £750,000 a year, which equates to more than £2,050 a day, to run the charity, relying completely on fundraising and the generosity of supporters.

Attending the launch party was the Mayor of Carlisle, Colin Stothard, who said educating the public on animal welfare was a priority.

"This organisation picks up the pieces, but they are also out there in a prevention role.

"It's enlightening seeing first-hand the marvellous work they all do."

Oak Tree Farm is the largest independent animal charity in Cumbria, and relies on its volunteers, who help out in a range of ways.

"We desperately need foster-homes at the moment, and if anyone is interested we would desperately love to hear from them," said Caroline.

As well as taking in stray animals, and helping to rehome, the charity is also going into the community and schools as part of its education programme.

Staff also on a weekly basis visit the Carlisle Foodbank, and help pet owners with food and veterinary care.

"We have also introduced 'Oakley', our new mascot. He is already a firm favourite and has been out and about in the community raising awareness of our work," said Caroline.